SGM (ret) Colin Rich

SGM (ret) Colin Rich is a person who can never be forgotten- for his resilience, courage, humor, and humility. He was injured in Afghanistan in 2002 (The organizers have spoken him for permission to disclose some personal information). His injury was severe (penetrating brain injury) and he could easily have been medically discharged from the Army. Colin is a highly decorated and trained senior enlisted soldier (Special Forces/ Ranger) with multiple deployments to "hot" spots throughout his career. He did not want to leave the Army as he strongly believed he had not finished his mission, his "boys" /unit needed him and he could contribute. He recovered sufficiently [although he does have a significant visual field loss due to the injury] and was able to REDEPLOY when his unit went to Iraq (for about 9 months) then AGAIN when his unit was sent back to Afghanistan. Since his injury, he has received numerous awards to include a Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, 3 bronze stars, meritorious service medal and the global war on terrorism award.

After 22+ years in the Army, he decided to retire and received a medical retirement (full disability) in 2007 - 4 years after his injury. Since his injury there have been multiple challenges for Colin (and his family) but he has always tried to be positive, to compensate for his disability, and "to do his job". It is an honor and privilege to know and work with him. He is an inspiration for many- if you Google his name you will find some articles that have been written about him over the past few years. He has been active both formally and informally in the Wounded Warrior Program being a mentor, the guide dog foundation [he has a guide dog primarily for visual impairment], and involved in some working groups with AW2/VA. He is in training for a 300 mile walk of the Appalachian Trail [by himself] this summer.

Sergeant Major Rich, Colin R. was recruited into Active Duty on 28 June 1985. He served as a Reservist since 13 April 1981. In the summer of 1986 SGM Rich, attended Basic Training as an Infantryman followed up by Basic Airborne School and upon completion he volunteered for Ranger Indoctrinate Program and completed yet another challenge. In late 1986 SGM Rich reported to his first Duty Station, Bravo Company, 1stBn, 75th Ranger Regiment as an Infantryman where he spent his next 8yrs and 4 months. Although he came to the 75th Ranger Rgt. as a Private, E-2 he left a Warrior Staff Sergeant along with many other decorations and skills. SGM Rich attended Summer/Winter Phase of the Military Mountaineering School, Ranger school in 1988, Special Forces/Special Operations Training Course in 1990, Pathfinder Course in 1991, Jungle Warfare School in 1991, Scout Swimmer in 1991, SERE (High Risk) in 1992, Jumpmaster in 1992, and Advanced Land Navigation in 1993. SGM Rich accomplished these mile markers before he made his first PCS from Hunter Army Airfield to Ft. Bragg North Carolina in May of 1994. SGM Rich then served in the ranks of 1st Special Operations Detachment (Delta) for 8 years wherein SGM Rich attended a plethora of schools warranting SGM Rich badges and awards for outstanding merit over and above earning the rank of Sergeant First Class in 1996. Some of the Schools SGM Rich completed include Special Operations Training Course in 1995, Special Security and Antiterrorist Driving Course, DOD High Risk Survival Course in 1995, Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course (ANCOC) in 1996, Advanced Military Free-Fall Parachutist in 1996, Surreptitious Entry Course in 1998, Transport/Storage of Hazardous/Material in 1998, Basic Surveillance Course in 1999, Covert Operations and Tactics Course in 1999, FBI Advanced Firearm's Instructor Course in 1999 and Special Operations Targeting Introduction Course in 1999. SGM Rich went on to work for the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in August of 2001 holding the Position of First Sergeant in 1st Battalion Alpha Company, 504th PIR, for eight months before he was severely wounded in action while deployed to Afghanistan on his first tour there in Dec. 2002. SGM Rich was moved to work at HHC, 1st Brigade, and 504th PIR for the remainder of his time as First Sergeant. He was promoted to SGM in 2006 and is currently serving as Assistant Operations Sergeant Major.

SGM Rich's combat deployments include Panama, the Gulf War, three tours the Balkans, two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq. (OEF-II and OEF-VI) to name a few. SGM Rich has received copious awards and decorations:

LOM, 3 BSM, 1 PH, 2 MSM, 2 JSCM, 2 ARCOM, 1 JSAM, 2 AAM, 6 AGCM, 2 NDSM, 2 AFEM, 2 SWABS,
1 AFSM, 3 NOPDR, 1 ASR, 1 KULIBM, 1 NATOMDL, 1 GWOTEM, 1 GWOTSM, Ranger Tab, CIB 2nd AWARD, EIB, PATHFINDER BADGE, MASTER PARACHUTIST BADGE, MASTER FREE FALL PARACHUTIST BADGE, and the PARACHUTIST BADGE.

SGM Rich is married to Nancy Rich his high school sweetheart for over 20 years and they have two daughters together Cori 19, and Sara 23.